Press Release: 2nd Anniversary of Nepal Earthquake

The Embassy of Nepal, Bangkok and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, jointly organized a programme on 25 April 2017 in Bangkok to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal on 25 April 2015.

As the Chief Guest, H. E. Prof. Chavanee Tongroach, Vice Minister of Tourism of the Royal Thai Government, paid tribute to the persons who lost their lives in the earthquakes. She said that Thailand was greatly concerned by the suffering of the Nepalese people and did what it could for the victims’ rescue and relief. She also expressed her hope and belief that the ongoing reconstruction process would complete soon, and the lives of the affected people would return to normalcy.

E. Ambassador Dr. Khaga Nath Adhikari, in his keynote speech, recounted the devastating effects of the earthquakes and briefed the audience about the ongoing reconstruction, recovery and rehabilitation activities. He thanked the international community, including Thailand, for their help and support in the search, rescue and relief activities in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake and their support in reconstruction and recovery. He also assured the audience that the resilient Nepalese people, with the help and support from the international community, would rise again and build back a better Nepal.

Mr. Haoliang Xu, Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific of the UNDP, spoke about the activities undertaken by UNDP for the relief of the earthquake victims and UNDP’s contribution in the reconstruction process. He added that the effects of the earthquake still loom large in Nepal as a whole and reiterated UNDP’s commitment to contribute to the best of its ability.

Mr. Renaud Meyer, UNDP Country Director for Nepal, and Ms. Lazima Onta Bhatta from UNDP Nepal shared their experiences during and after the earthquakes. Mr. Meyer briefed the audience about UNDP’s activities, and requested them to continue to help Nepal in the reconstruction process.

A short film on the life after the earthquake and videos on some of the reconstruction projects were presented during the programme.

A large number of people, including high-ranking Thai officials, UNDP officials, foreigners, and Nepalese diaspora in Thailand participated in the programme.